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Hey Alex. If you dont mind me asking, how are you? Please keep your chin up man. I've been having a hard time myself and your videos show me that I'm not alone. If you're feeling depressed, make sure you get the help you need whether its from professionals, family, friends, or even your fans like me. Keep grinding bro, your videos are awesome.
Dude... the level of profession shown in these Batman videos are just unmatched. Makes me real excited for the writing and character in Jason. Keep at it, man!!
@Man1narm0r dude I appreciate that you like the channel bet they're regular people with budget of $5. No amount of talent will make that into an above average television show.
@Man1narm0r not litterally $5 but compared to actual shows this like a high school production. Maybe it will be cute to see the kid we like do something that makes him happy but it's not something youd actually watch for yourself or especially show your friends.
Batman has kept me afloat for years, I have gone through things that have made me feel like life is meaningless and even attempted suicide, but then I see my favourite fictional character of all time: Batman. He turned his tragedy and his ongoing tragedies into something helpful, meaningful, he taught me that no matter what it is never worth giving up, always get up and never get overtaken by life and the bad things within it, no matter how hard it may be.
“Batman is the embodiment of working through pain: trauma of all kinds. Standing back up…wearing the heartbreak on his chest, and managing to fight on”
"I didn't count on being happy." That line always gets me. For a long while, I always thought of Batman as a lethal non-killing machine. Someone who's smarter, stronger and faster than anyone. I didn't think he was human, I never thought I could relate to a man who doesn't even want to be a man, until this line.
If you can't imagine Batman, not Bruce Wayne, but THE BATMAN comforting a scared dying child, if you can't imagine a kid saying "thank you" to the Batman for just being there, not kicking ass, but just being there at the right time, then you don't know who Batman is, or what he represents. and who you wrote isn't Batman. It's why Animated Batman is the best Batman-the writers understand that he is as much about giving people hope as he instills fear to the criminals of Gotham. Batman represents the hope we've felt through fear. That sense of hope you only feel after living through such darkness. The hope that "things might be bad now, but it'll get better". And that's what Batman means to me, and why he means so much to so many people. He's more than just an action icon-he's a symbol of hope, even if Batman himself denies this, and if you fail to realize that, then you shouldn't write for Batman.
That is why people have fond memories of the Adam West TV show. Its ok for Batman being brooding and punching people in the face, but there's is more to it than just that. Matt Reeves seems like he finally understood that.
Tim drake was in that tent the day The flying graysons died, and as he was being escorted out of the tent, the last thing he saw was Batman, comforting Dick Grayson.
@@aa-jf5gu I also hope people remember the moment during the episode Jim Gordon was shot where a kid simply thanks Batman for saving his life and causing him to turn his life around. There's also a really good moment in the comics where a young girl thanks him for simply remembering her name. That's the kind of impact Batman has on people. Not just criminals but the regular folk of Gotham City.
This film is so relatable to me because much like Bruce, I struggle to accept love in my life, feeling like I deserve to feel alone because of promises I make, personal promises, and by my deep rooted experiences in heartbreak, but love is something we all deserve, no matter how broken, we deserve love over anything
Mask of the Phantasm is the greatest Batman movie of all time. And as someone who suffers from mental illness, Batman has saved me more than once in my life. His drive, his determination, his compassion, and his unwillingness to give up.
This video essay of Mask of the Phantasm hit too close to home. I definitely have a hard time opening up anymore to anyone (not just women, but people in general anymore) because I went through getting cheated on back when I was 16, got used as a rebound when I was 19, then something terrible when I was 20 happened back in 2015… I was into a girl with whom we were both openly playfully bantering and joking around. But one of my best friends at the time spilled the beans to her about my background all at once out of nowhere - that I had watched my parents violently divorce when I was 6, that I had become the punching bag and mouthpiece of both of my parents’ hatred for one another for 12 years, that for 12 years I had endured abuse from my own father’s “fist of abominations” with no one to help me. She ended up twisting that knowledge of me to my own friends and even to strangers that I am too “unstable violent and dangerous.” I used to get the stink eye from strangers like I had committed a crime. I found out on Thanksgiving that I was ghosted en masse. I was so burnt out that I felt destined by any God or deity that I was just meant to walk and live then die on this earth isolated. I had lost friends and my own vulnerability was beaten into submission. So I dropped out of college and went back home to CC to recuperate. But I had no intention of opening up or connecting; I thought that was never an option anymore. So I just gave up and stuck with whatever friends I had left and cut off those who crossed me like that again. I’m slowly getting into a better place but it’s been empty as I’ve spent most of my 20’s rotting away like that.
The fact that you've opened up about it here means something. Yes, it's pretty much anonymous here, but opening up to ANYONE is a sign of strength and progress and you should be proud of yourself. I hope things get better for you. That's a completely awful situation, but know that in the end, everything will be okay.
That's the thing with the deep pain we go through in our formative years. I'm exactly like you, in my 20s with not many friends I can call my own - I don't even need all the fingers on one hand to count the number. You go through life looking for people who will understand exactly who you are, without having to explain yourself to them. That's never going to happen and I'll never put myself out there for people to take a look and deem me too hideous to even get to know.
Well, I've been trying to come up with any sort of cohesive advice to you, but it didn't happen... All I know is that no person is unworthy of love, you ARE made to love and be loved, and I don't mean it in just a romantic way. Anyway, Christmas is coming and idk if you celebrate it, but consider taking some time to reflect on what is the meaning of it... Merry Christmas and may you find happiness!
When I revisited the animated series and the mask of the phantasm, I was surprised by its dark themes, heartbreaking moments, and style. Every time I revisit the animated series, the more I love Batman. The animated series is probably my favorite iteration of Batman.
Just went through a breakup after being together for almost 2 years. It doesn’t sound that long but it was the first relationship I’ve ever had that actually went somewhere. This video couldn’t have been made at a better time. Killer video as always HiTop
My father always told me that when something ends, it’s always the plans you had withering away that hurt the most. Marriage, moving in together, a simple lunch date. This can apply to anything, but especially heartbreak. Excellent work, HiTop. Your best Batman video yet!
This video truly hits right in the feels. The persona of Bruce Wayne in Batman and the Mask Phantasm done by Bruce Timm, Eric Randomski is so masterfully poured in the necklace one by one. And then there's the melancholic music composed by Shirley Walker, which absolutely adds a whole another meaning to it
It’s in a league all its own, no question about it. I was a kid when it originally came out, literally 30 years or so ago (and that’s fucking nuts for me to even think about), and man, the depth that is in an animated movie, primarily targeted at kids (or was it?), is crazy as hell. Still stands the test of time all these years later, and honestly, while original comic book versions of characters are typically THE definitive versions of characters, Mask of the Phantasm (and really, the animated series as a whole), stands right next to his comic book counterpart side by side, parallel, as THE blueprints for any and everything Batman related, whether it’s live action or animated, video games, whatever it doesn’t matter. Both source material in the comics and MOTP and the animated series, are definitive Batman. And on a side note, there will never be another Kevin Conroy
Mask of the Phantasm was a defining moment in my childhood. Still one of my favorite films, and it actually hits deeper now than then. "I didn't count on being happy." Hits deep, man. Hits real deep. 😔
It’s hard to describe how much Batman has meant to meant to me. He’s helped me in the worst parts of my life, giving me the strength to carry on no matter what. This video is so relatable and beautifully written. One of your best pieces of work Alex. Much love man.
“Happy to pay the bills Otto”- happy you are able to make the films and stories you want to tell! Batman’s the only thing keeping me goin this month, with my giant grant Morrison omnibus and hype for the Batman movie. Never stop pushing through this stuff!
“There was a time. A time before. There were perfect things. Diamond absolutes…” Andrea Beaumont was definitely the diamond absolute for Bruce in this film, only for her leaving and going on her own vendetta to crush any and all hope Bruce had of a normal fulfilling life…
I relate to this Bruce because I went through a heartbreak to my first girlfriend. We were together for 2 years and six months. It wasn’t just why she broke up with me, it was how and what happened immediately after. She found another guy and said so many hurtful things to me, that it made me hate my own feelings. I also suffered losing my uncle and my grandmother during the process of my break up. And some of my closest friends would bring her up and make jokes about it after I told them to stop doing it multiple times but they didn’t care. It felt like I was being laughed at for being broken and no one I held closest to didn’t care neither. So it came a time where I got so sad and angry to the point I had to go distant from people. I went to work hurt everyday, not talking too much to people. I haven’t been with anyone else since
Damn. I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you know that this isn’t the end for your ability to love. Life isn’t done yet so there can be something much more everlasting on the horizon. I hope you’re doing good.❤️👍
"It's just gonna drown me." "No...No it won't." "How do you know?" "What is grief, if not love persevering?" Marvel tried so hard to give us a show based on loss, yet they themselves failed to understand, that just because you suffer, you shouldn't make others suffer as well. Even unwittingly. I feel like the Batman is this perfect representation of that-of living with pain, with such....darkness yet he doesn't act out of selfishness. He doesn't make people suffer because he suffers. If I could describe Batman in one word.....it'd be compassionate.
I mean..." that just because you suffer, you shouldn't make others suffer as well" was the whole point of Wandavision. It's not that they failed to understand, that was the point of the show.
@@YoloSwaggMcJagger But can we say, Did most of the audiences preferred this type of stuff from Marvel? No and even if they did the whole WandaVision show will be a mess when DS MoM releases (All the great things done in the show will be removed by some Fan Service CGI fest) and the way it's going Wanda might forget that this even happened (WV stuff) after MoM as they're in a hurry to introduce Mutants in the MCU. I personally too didn't love this kind of sitcom based show but I won't stop others to enjoy if they're trying to
I feel like, those who have gone through it the most, pain, sadness, anger, darkness. Yk all those types of emotions, are the ones that care most, love most, understand most. The more you suffer, the less selfish you’ll get. Well that is if you choose light over dark ofc
Alex, thank you. I just got broken up with by my best friend of almost a decade. And these words you're speaking and the revelations you bring are exactly how I feel. Thank you for putting this into words. And thank you for being my rock.
The fact that Batman is willing to sacrifice his own potential happiness just to make sure no one else ever feels like he does is my favorite aspect of his character and the ultimate tragedy of his story. He’s doomed to an eternity of depression but he fights with hopefulness not for himself so much as it is for the young and innocent BC he was once one of them and sees what tragedy does to people like that.
What makes Mask of the phantasm great is how realistic heartbreak can be. For Bruce and Andrea they could have a happy life together, but unseen circumstance caused them to live different lives. It’s very sad that Batman made never get the happy ending he deserves.
One of the greatest batman films of all time. Not only one of the greatest batman films but bruce wayne films as well. Batman is the hero who inspires me too push through whatever I'm going through in life and become a better man from it. Can't wait to watch the batman next Tuesday. Another excellent video bro🦇
Mask of the Phantasm has all the style of Burton’s films, all the drama of Elfman’s scores, and all the nuance of the Nolan films. On top of all that, it manages to balance multiple villains, two plot lines, several factions - all in less than 90 minutes.
In all of this Batman hype I seriously have kept thinking about how (hopefully) you’ll come out of the screening with the biggest sense of resonance and creative fuel. With Spider-Man not aligning with your personal taste recently I really feel this new interaction of the caped crusader will be within a league of its own! Cheers!
Batman eventually kept fighting crime until he physically couldn't... then just retired away in his estate alone (until Terry arrived). Andrea kept her Phantasm persona until the very end... with a short scene she had in JLU (in Batman Beyond's era) with her, now elderly, talking with Amanda Waller.
It would be kind of interesting to see what she made of her life. From the context of epilogue she was a hit man of some kind. I wonder if she ever re encountered Bruce thru their lives
My friend, you have certainly made some terrific videos in the past, but this one...this can't be topped. The way you worded everything, the breathtaking silence that accompanies the music and emotion...it's downright masterful! I can hear and feel everything and it's heartbreaking and powerful. Truly this video can't be topped in my humble opinion, but if it can, I hope to be there to hear more.
Up until now I was never quite able to define why I like these videos so much. Now I understand. HiTop Films doesn't make movie analysis video essays for RU-vid. He writes love letters to his favorite productions. Thanks, Alex. Thank you so much. We needed that.
No one on this platform makes videos quite like Hitop Films, these are seriously so well done and entertaining. So are his short films, cannot wait for Jason.
This is something I think was as personal to you as it was to Bruce. The authenticity that shines through in your words is something I rarely experience on RU-vid. That's what I find incredible about art in all its forms. Something as thought-provoking, yet relatable can be born from something as seemingly silly as a man dressed in a bat costume, or the guy on RU-vid that chooses to discuss him. You touch on an existential conundrum that is as old as humanity, but do so in a decidedly human way that is something only you could provide. This is one that I know I'll come back to, as I genuinely feel there will be more to appreciate each time. Well done.
Brought me to tears. I love this movie and hearing your commentary on the themes the movie juggles is incredible. I had an amazing person leave my life recently over something that was dumb. I am trying to let go and it’s hard but this video helps a lot. God bless who ever made this or wrote the script for the commentary
I saw this right after watching your “Batman does not kill” video, the admiration and love for this character is indescribable and it shows, and it is a love I share with you, the character that may feel most distant is the one that feels most human
Batman mask of the phantasm just hits differently. From the amazing storytelling of how Bruce could and wanted to live a normal life with someone he loved to that amazing soundtrack and inclusion of the joker being that separation between Bruce and Andrea. This is a masterpiece that shows how vulnerable Batman is. Andrea is honestly the only one in his life that can make him happy. Not catwoman or Talia because Andrea has gone through and understands the pain Bruce has been through. Even as they live their lives only I still feel like their love is what keeps them going and they still hold that hope that maybe one day they will find that happiness again. I really wish they would have made a sequel or animated series episode following the events of mask of the phantasm but then again the standalone aspect of it is what makes it so special. This movie is my childhood and the impact it still has on me in astonishing. I will always say this is the best Batman movie.
I bullshit you not, the ultimate heartbreak and lost dreams sections made me fucking cry. That brought back memories I still have an awful time dealing with. I made a mistake I wish I could take back. I just keep going cause there’s really no other option in the end you know? It’s why Batman stories have been especially helpful in recent memory, he shows another way to keep moving
One of your absolute best vids Alex. Eloquently written and spoken. I was in a dark place not too long ago and while I haven’t found that peace of happiness yet, the hope that it’s out there is enough to have pulled me back up to keep going. I hope you’re doing okay and I hope the project you’re working on allows you to creatively express and maybe even divulge some of that pain you’re feeling.
"Vengeance blackens the soul, Bruce. I've always feared that you would become that which you fought against. You walk the edge of that abyss every night, but you haven't fallen in and I thank heaven for that."
I love this video sm, it came out the exact time I ended up alone. And it just resonated with me I’ve watched this several times now. Great job man truly
just went through a very rough breakup that I still think didn´t achieve anything but deeply scar both of us. I still somewhat hope we might talk things over and give it another try but we´ll see... either way, I hadn´t known I´d needed to watch this video until I did. Thank you for this.
I feel that I need to say, that Alex hunter. This video essay touched my heart. Because despite knowing who I am, I am Batman more than anything else. I am always on his side of things before I have an ideal of my own. it was my childhood of watching the melancholy BTAS which always felt like the way middle school should. And personally, there's this light, outside my bedroom window. That is pin fucking point exact to the one that shines in crime alley in Arkham City. Despite the 800 hours or so I have on the game, that's the reason why it'll always be my pfp. But during Summer 2021, this girl. Sunday. My God-mothers niece or something. My godmother being my neighbor and the house one over on their side is the grandparents of theirs. And every 2 years this girl Sunday and her sister would come over. Think the part I miss most is how green it was, what I consider my Wayne Manor is on a lake. Probably secretly why batfleck's my favorite. Anyways, I think I was 15 or something and she was only over for 2 weeks before she had to go back to Little Rock, Arkansas. But as people that I care for. I connected her to a batman character. This one being Andrea Beaumont. And being born in 05 you can do the math that freshmen year was the 2020. I never left the house in months, it finally took a toll of watching the same batman media. Then a girl that would come by every time destined. It would always surprise me. The reason why she is Andrea, is because I told myself to that crime alley light. The thing that I personally believe to be my god. My Ben Aldridge Thomas Wayne, My Emma Paetz Martha. Mostly because I have a "soul purpose" a vow, in relation to Batman of course. But with my Andrea, I would always say to that light that with her around, it didn't hurt so bad anymore
Before I watched your videos, i never really got Bruce Wayne, or Batman in general, I only really knew him only on a surface level. After rewatching the old movies, watching your videos, he became one of my favorite heroes ever, and it really makes me happy that I can now understand what makes batman so great! Thanks Hitop!
Recently, I have found a new boyfriend, Both of our previous relationships have ended in pain, so much abandonment, so much controlling. and together we finally think that this is it, this is the right people for each other. And it's absolutely fucking incredible and I hope it stays strong, we need it too and were so happy together
I hear Alex's voice breaking, and it's making me tear up. The level of passion is starting to affect me, and I don't think I have a choice but to be inspired and do something about it. I especially relate to this after a harsh breakup, this hits harder than it has the right to, and somehow I've managed to hold it in, which isn't healthy, but the way you put you heart into this video inspires me. You're a legend Alex, never stop being yourself
You know man, I just got out of a 3 and a half year relationship with someone who I loved and who loved me. This video really got to my core and I respect the vulnerability displayed in your work. Much love and respect
Maybe we could see something similar to this film in a Pattinson sequel? A romantic interest making Bruce think he may not "have" to be Batman only for his heart to be broken, making him believe again that his curse is to always be Batman
MAN OH MAN this has got to be the best Batman essay I've seen in years. It's so beautiful and poetic, so well-written and exquisitely narrated... and your points, how you deconstruct the film and its themes... man, top-notch work. If I ever were to make a Batman movie, I'd surely call you to get your input, because you get the character. Bravo.
Dude. Thank you so much for making this. Going through a confusing breakup and even more confusing conversations with past flames and ultimately coming to a realization, the realization that I should be comfortable being alone. And that’s where Batman gives me peace. Growing from loneliness and darkness, working through trauma, and really doubling Down on your sense of self which can be shattered once a relationship is enough. Then, like Bruce you must throw yourself and everything you have into your mission. One day hopefully it’ll be enough, but today won’t be that day, and tomorrow won’t either. Looking at all the comments below, I just want to say to you, thanks for creating and combining this community man. Really appreciate this.
This is your best work my friend. The need to be loved but the struggle to accept it because trauma is our own joker laughing at us every time we start to get close to someone. You’ve helped a lot of people further explore their own demons. Their own Bruce Wayne. Their own Batman. With this phenomenal essay.
I saw Mask of the Phantasm last year before I saw the Batman, and these two have become my favorite superhero movies, with the Batman being my favorite live action superhero movie, and Mask of the Phantasm being my favorite in general.
Such a good and fascinating part of the character. Always awesome and Interesting seeing Bruce want to give up and want to live a life knowing how good it could be.
Wow Alex, I’m shook I really am, every video you make leaves me thinking and this does exactly that, it’s a beautiful representation of what we have all felt and I’m am left in awe at this masterpiece, thank you for blessing us with your art, I can tell what you’re going through, and so am I, this is truly the representation of what we feel and what we do with the pain the anger the suffering we have left after the person who we thought we could never leave, leaves us.
I'm going through a similar situation. Batman turns out to be my favourite super-hero for one reason. It wasn't because of the gadgets or the cool-looking outfit. The reason why I feel deeply connected to him is because I've experienced loss and abandonment since my childhood. He's always been a beacon of hope for me. I want to find peace. I need to let all go. Thank you for the video.
You hit pretty close to my heart here. I had a person I loved very much. They left me for complex reasons, but I've always held a place in my heart for them despite how very much apart our lives have taken us since.
By far my favorite video so far. You just took the words of heartbreak and hopelessness that I’ve been feeling for a while now. This was so cathartic in hearing this. It’s awesome that you put so much emotion and passion in what you make. Keep up the good work!👍
I cried. Beautiful video. I don't think I really understood this movie until now. When I was younger, I always liked it, but never really thought of it as anything exceptional to the Animated Series. I understood that it was true love that Bruce could have had, but I didn't quite understand the gravity of it all. It's more than true love that he could have had. It was a new life. A chance to break from his tormenting chains. I will be rewatching it soon thanks to you. Again, beautiful video.
Honestly, I love to watch/ listen to your video essays. No matter if it's you praising or critiquing something, you can always feel the passion; from either love and joy, or the disappointment and heart break, you can always feel the personality and the part of you you put into your content. I hope I get to watch these videos for as long as possible, and I'm excited for that Jason short film
I can never truly express to you how much these videos mean to me. It warms my soul to know im not the only one who sees this character as something more than just a costumed superhero
Honestly The Mask is one of my favorite films of all time because I relate to the story of “the love that got away.” I have been in that exact same situation. When you find someone so extremely special they make you want to be happy. They make your trauma hurt less and they make you better but for whatever reason it was never meant to be. And your back with that promise of solace to be a cold person with a singular hard objective purpose alone and hollow.
Thank you for doing this video Batman mask of the phantasm is easily one of the best Batman films ever made the story is so relatable it's dark is mature and is violent and they got away with it this for a PG movie this is an amazing film and it will never be forgotten
I've watched a lot of your batman cartoon analysis videos, and as much as I've enjoyed them, I've never felt that compelled to seek out the original material. I've never seen any of these because of where I live and when I was born, so I just watched them via these videos. But this one... I might want to take a look at the original thing. It was just that compelling. Great video, HiTop
I have been through a break up for 2 years. My childhood was marked by an absent mother and a distant father. I had never experienced love until I met a girl called exactly the same as Bruce's beloved, Andrea. We had, I had a chance to feel for the first time the light, the warm, and most important, the forgiveness, specially to myself, to my hatred. Circumstances made us take different paths and nowdays I can't be with someone else, I don't want to. However I have grown up a lot as human being, maybe because I am still waiting for her even though that she will never come back to me. Love cannot stand to everything, sometimes the circumstances are way too much... But at least, remembering the moments, that light, will give the peace that I need for a broken being.
Watched this a week ago and it is probably one of the best comic book movies ever. I always loved it when Bruce was pleading with his parents. It was just a perfect moment to attack the feels.
Bruce Wayne: My friend showed me pictures of his kids And all i could show him was pictures of my cribs He said his daughter got a brand new report card And all i got was a brand new sports car
